Possible op for United star

10 January 2010 01:52

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Sir Alex Ferguson's frustration at Manchester United failing to regain top spot in the Barclays Premier League has been compounded by the news striker Dimitar Berbatov may need exploratory knee surgery.

Berbatov was unable to play any part in United's 1-1 draw with Birmingham at St Andrew's as they were unable to achieve the victory which would have taken them above Chelsea. Instead Ferguson gave a debut to summer signing Mame Biram Diouf who came on as a second half substitute.

Ferguson said: "Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again. He may have to have an exploratory operation."

Ferguson reiterated his anger at Darren Fletcher's red card by referee Mark Clattenburg with the second yellow awarded for an innocuous trip on Jerome.

The United boss said: "You won't see a softer sending off. For a start, Darren's not that kind of player.

"It's a simple clip on the boy (Jerome) who actually stumbled. I think it was a terrible decision and it gave Birmingham some momentum.

"But I think we've got to be satisfied with a point particularly as we've ended the game with 10 men.

"Birmingham is a difficult place to go and they are playing very well. It is not a bad point."